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California Attorney General Declares Daily Fantasy Sports Illegal

Built on Penal Code section 337a, the opinion triggers court battles over enforcement of a ruling judges say does not alter existing law.

Gambling on fantasy sports games is illegal in California, Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday.
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Overview

  • On July 3, AG Rob Bonta released a formal opinion concluding daily fantasy sports platforms qualify as illegal sports wagering under Penal Code 337a.
  • A Sacramento Superior Court judge refused to block the opinion and clarified it carries no force of law without legislative action.
  • Leading operators including FanDuel, DraftKings and Underdog say they will continue offering contests and plan legal challenges on grounds that their games are skill-based.
  • Gov. Gavin Newsom disagreed with the opinion and called for a collaborative process with stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework.
  • Tribal gaming groups and state lawmakers signal they will pursue legislation to resolve the legal gray area around online fantasy sports.